'G.D. Birla award 2007' conferred on IISc Professor

New Delhi: The prestigious G.D. Birla award 2007 has been conferred on Prof. Santanu Bhattacharya of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore for his significant contribution in the field of chemical biology and molecular design.

Prof Bhattacharya, 49, who is associated with the Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, is working in the frontier field of gene therapy.

His investigations on DNA trafficking inside eukaryotic cells in the lipid mediated gene delivery have been cited extensively by experts. Besides proposing the DNA transfer mechanism, he has also developed a new formulation for gene transfection in mammalian cells in the presence of serum.

Prof Bhattacharya's investigations into DNA-lipid interactions using a number of chemical and biophysical methods and studies have key implications in developing carriers for gene therapy, says the citation.

"Although trained as a chemist, his research work cuts across boundaries of individual discipline and employs principles of chemistry and its interface with biology and material science that is Nanotechnology. His research activities characterise him certainly as one of the most innovative and productive scientist of the country today," a release of the foundation stated.

The G.D. Birla award which carries a cash prize of Rs.1.5 lakh was instituted by the K. K. Birla Foundation in 1991. It is given to young scientists below 50 years of age. The foundation's mission is to promote scientific research in the country by giving recognition to high caliber Indian scientists.